U.S. patent application number 12/608206 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for radio frequency animal tracking system.
This patent application is currently assigned to DESTRON FEARING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Randolph K. Geissler.
Application Number | 20100045468 12/608206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36190743 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100045468 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Geissler; Randolph K. |
February 25, 2010 |
RADIO FREQUENCY ANIMAL TRACKING SYSTEM
Abstract
An RFID system provides a transponder that can communicate over
at least two different frequencies so that the real time
performance of the transponder can be improved without losing
backwards compatibility. The RFID system allows the end user to
customize and program identification tags. The RFID system also
provides an ear tag, which may be in button form, for use on
livestock with superior durability and overall performance in the
field.
Inventors: |
Geissler; Randolph K.;
(Hudson, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Assignee: |
DESTRON FEARING CORPORATION
South St. Paul
MN
|
Family ID: |
36190743 |
Appl. No.: |
12/608206 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11282295 |
Nov 17, 2005 |
7619522 |
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12608206 |
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60629013 |
Nov 17, 2004 |
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60706645 |
Aug 9, 2005 |
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60722138 |
Sep 30, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/573.3 ;
340/10.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 19/07758 20130101;
G06K 19/07767 20130101; G08B 29/16 20130101; A01K 11/004 20130101;
G06K 19/07749 20130101; A01K 11/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/573.3 ;
340/10.1 |
International
Class: |
G08B 23/00 20060101
G08B023/00; H04Q 5/22 20060101 H04Q005/22 |
Claims
1. A method of providing identification of an animal, the method
comprising: receiving a query from a base station with a radio
frequency identification (RFID) tag located on an animal; and
responding to the query with a first transmission from the RFID tag
over a first carrier frequency and a second transmission over a
second carrier frequency.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first carrier frequency is
approximately 134.2 kHz.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second carrier frequency is
greater than 134.2 kHz.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the second carrier frequency is
approximately 13.5 MHz.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein a unique identification number is
transmitted upon the first carrier frequency.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein a unique identification number is
transmitted upon the second carrier frequency.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein data other than the unique
identification number is also carried upon the second carrier
frequency.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the query comprises a
transmission that energizes the RFID tag.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the RFID tag contains a surface
having printed matter displayed thereupon.
10. A method of identifying an animal to a base station with a
radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the method comprising:
providing the base station with a smallest identification number
assigned to any of a plurality of RFID tags associated with a
plurality of animals; receiving a query from the base station with
an RFID tag on the animal, the RFID tag being assigned a unique
identification number; and responding to the received query with a
reply transmission including an abbreviated identification number,
which is a difference between the unique identifying number and a
smallest identification number.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the act of providing the base
station with the smallest identification number comprises entering
the smallest identification number into the base station
manually.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the act of providing the base
station with the smallest identification number comprises sending a
query to the RFID tag, the query indicating that the RFID tag is to
respond with the smallest identification number and with the
abbreviated identification number.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the abbreviated identification
number is transmitted to the base station on a carrier frequency of
approximately 134.2 kHz.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the smallest identification
number is transmitted to the base station on a carrier frequency
greater than 134.2 kHz.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
11/282,295, filed Nov. 17, 2005, which claims the benefit of
provisional application Ser. Nos. 60/629,013, filed Nov. 17, 2004;
Ser. No. 60/706,645, filed Aug. 9, 2005; and Ser. No. 60/722,138,
filed Sep. 30, 2005, which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to a radio frequency identification
system and more particularly to a radio frequency identification
system for tracking animals.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are well
known. RFID systems are either active systems wherein the
transponder includes its own power source or passive systems
wherein the transponder receives its power from a base station.
Since passive RFID systems do not require their own power source
they are generally smaller, lighter, and cheaper to manufacture
than active RFID systems. Consequently, passive systems are more
commonly employed in RFID systems for the purpose of tracking as
compared to active systems.
[0004] Passive RFID systems are generally either inductively
coupled RFID systems or capacitively coupled RFID systems. The
present disclosure is applicable to both types of passive systems;
however, the present description focuses on inductively coupled
systems because they are presently more common due to the fact that
they have a greater effective range than capacitively coupled
systems. Passive inductively coupled RFID systems typically include
a transponder that has a microprocessor chip encircled by, and
electrically connected to, a metal coil that functions as an
antenna as well as an inductance element. The metal coil receives
radio frequencies from a base station and generates an electrical
current that powers the microprocessor, which is programmed to
retrieve stored data such as an identification number and transmit
the data back to the base station.
[0005] Standard transmission frequencies have been established for
RFID tags based upon their field of use. For example, 13.56 MHz is
a standard radio frequency used for tracking manufactured goods,
whereas 400 kHz is a standard radio frequency used for tracking
salmon as they travel upstream to spawn. The standard radio
frequency used for identification tags for livestock and other
animals is currently 134.2 kHz. This relatively low radio frequency
is advantageous because it can effectively penetrate
water-containing objects such as animals. On the other hand, the
frequency does not have a high transmission rate. Therefore,
current RFID systems do not work well where fast data transmission
is required, such as in certain real time tracking applications of
fast moving objects. More particularly, due to the inherent signal
transmission delay associated with current RFID systems operated at
134.2 kHz, current systems cannot in certain circumstances
effectively query and retrieve identification numbers, also
commonly referred to as identification codes, from identification
tags as the animals move rapidly past a particular point in space,
such as when cattle move along a cattle chute commonly found at
auctions or disassembly plants. Accordingly, an improved RFID
system with faster data transmission capabilities is desirable.
[0006] Unique challenges are associated with tracking livestock. In
view of deadly livestock diseases such as Bovine Spongiform
Encephalopathy more commonly known as Mad Cow disease, which have
been known to infect herds and meat products, there is a strong
global public interest in tracking livestock. As such, tracking
livestock is increasingly becoming more common as well as highly
regulated. One common means to track livestock requires livestock
ranchers to apply for government-issued livestock identification
numbers, which are forwarded to designated RFID tag manufacturers
to be written into identification tags that are subsequently
packaged and sold to the end user through authorized distributors.
This complex multi-layered and multi-stepped process of manufacture
and distribution is inefficient and costly. Accordingly,
streamlining the process by providing a method and apparatus for
manufacturing and/or processing the tags is desirable.
[0007] In addition, current identification tags manufactured
according to the above outlined processes are typically not
customizable by the end users and generally include only a stored
identification number. Hence, if the producer wishes to track other
data, the data must, for example, be stored on a separate computer
and electronically associated with an identification number. This
limitation may necessitate carrying a computer out in the field,
which can be inconvenient and impractical. In addition, once the
livestock changes hands, the new livestock handler may not have
access to the data that is associated with the identification
number because the data is not transferred to the new handler.
Instead, the data must be stored on a network or otherwise
deliberately made available to the new handler. Furthermore,
current identification tags are not generally adapted to be used to
measure physical parameters of the animals such as the animal's
internal temperature, which can be helpful in determining if the
animal is ill. Accordingly, it is desirable to developed an RFID
system where the livestock handler can customize the identification
tag; where data in addition to an identification number can be
stored in the tag itself, where the livestock handler can use the
tag to track physical parameters of the livestock in real time;
and/or where the system remains compatible with current base
stations.
SUMMARY
[0008] The invention is directed to an improved RFID system,
methods of using the system, and methods of making the system. In
an embodiment, the system includes a transponder that can
communicate over at least two different frequencies. Such an
embodiment can provide improved real time performance of the
transponder without losing backwards compatibility. In an
embodiment, the system includes an improved apparatus and method
that allows the end user to customize and program identification
tags. The invention includes the tags including user provided data
in print and/or in electronic form. In an embodiment, the system
can provide an ear tag for use on livestock that exhibits
advantageous performance in the field, shelter, and/or plant.
[0009] According to one embodiment, a radio frequency
identification (RFID) tag for identification of animals includes a
first antenna and a transponder coupled to the antenna. The
transponder includes a first transmission unit, first memory and
first power circuitry. The first power circuitry is configured to
receive a current induced in the first antenna, and to power the
first transmission unit and first memory. The first transmission
unit is configured to retrieve data stored in the first memory and
to transmit at least a portion of the data via the first antenna on
a first carrier frequency and on a second carrier frequency.
[0010] According to another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a
radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, for identification of
animals includes providing a substrate, and disposing a first coil
upon the substrate. A first integrated circuit is coupled to the
first coil. A first material is formed atop the first coil and
first integrated circuit. A second material is formed over the
first material.
[0011] According to yet another embodiment, a method of collision
prevention for radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for
identification of animals includes assigning each of a plurality of
RFID tags a delay value. Each RFID tag is configured to receive a
query from a base station, and to respond thereto by waiting for a
duration of time corresponding to the delay value. Then, a response
transmission is provided. The response transmission includes a
unique identification number identifying an animal associated with
the tag.
[0012] According to yet another embodiment, a method of providing
identification of an animal includes receiving a query from a base
station with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag in an
animal. The query is responded to with a first transmission on a
first carrier frequency and a second transmission on a second
carrier frequency.
[0013] According to yet another embodiment, a method of identifying
an animal to a base station with a radio frequency identification
(RFID) tag includes providing the base station with a smallest
identification number assigned to any of a plurality of RFID tags
associated with a plurality of animals. A query from the base
station is received with an RFID tag in the animal. The RFID tag
being is a unique identification number. The received query is
responded to with a reply transmission including an abbreviated
identification number, which is the difference between the unique
identifying number and the smallest identification number.
[0014] According to yet another embodiment, a system for
identifying animals with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags
includes a first base station configured to operate at a first
carrier frequency. The system also includes a second base station
configured to operate at a second carrier frequency. The system
further includes a plurality of RFID tags each associated with one
of a plurality of animals. Each RFID tag is configured to respond
to a transmission on a first carrier frequency with a response
transmission on the first carrier frequency and a response
transmission on a second carrier frequency. At least one of the
response transmissions includes a unique identification number.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of
the invention and together with the detailed description, serve to
explain the principles of the invention. A brief description of the
drawings is as follows:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a known RFID system
commonly used to track livestock.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of an RFID system
according to the principles of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a portion of the
manufacturing of the identification tag of the RFID system of FIG.
2.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a top view of a
strip of identification tags of FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of the finishing
process of the identification tag of the RFID system of FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing an operational flow for
customizing and finishing a strip of tags in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of an identification tag
according to the principles of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment
of a substrate on which identification tags according to the
present invention may be formed.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an encoding device for use
with the identification tags of FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a forming device for
forming identification tags upon the substrate of FIG. 7.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a printing device for
printing onto the identification tags of FIG. 7.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
printing device for printing onto the identification tags of FIG.
7.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a representation of communication between the
printing device of FIG. 11 and a remote database.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of animals tagged with an
identification tag moving through a chute adjacent a
transceiver.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a depiction of a transport vehicle unloading
animals for entry into a facility.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a depiction of an exemplary method of reducing
interference between RFID tags.
[0032] FIG. 16A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a data frame
transmitted from an RFID tag to a base station.
[0033] FIG. 16B depicts an exemplary embodiment of a data frame
transmitted from an RFID tag to a base station.
[0034] FIG. 17A is a profile depiction of an exemplary embodiment
of a button-style RFID tag.
[0035] FIG. 17B is a bottom-view of the button-style RFID tag
depicted in FIG. 17A.
[0036] FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of an animal tag in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Definitions
[0037] As used herein, the term "animal" refers to macroscopic
animals including vertebrates. Animals include domesticated
animals, such as livestock and companion animals, and wild animals,
such as game animals or fish. Livestock include animals such as
swine (pig), piglet, sheep, lamb, goat, bovine (e.g., cow), fish
and (e.g., salmon), birds (e.g., chickens, ducks, and geese). This
list of animals is intended to be illustrative only, and should not
limit the scope of any of the following disclosure related to the
present invention. As used herein, the term "track" refers to the
identification, location, recording, and monitoring of animals or
other objects of interest, for whatever purpose or reason. This
definition is illustrative of uses of the present invention and is
not intended to limit the scope of any of the following disclosure
related to the present invention.
[0038] The Present Tag, Method, and System
[0039] An identification tag for an animal, the tag including a
first circuit including a memory subunit, a power subunit, and a
first transmit subunit, the subunits electrically connected to each
other. The tag also includes a second circuit including a second
transmit subunit, the second circuit electrically connected to the
first circuit, and an antenna connected to the first circuit. The
power subunit of the first circuit is configured to generate an
electrical current when a radio signal is received by the antenna,
and delivers this current to the first transmit subunit. The first
transmit subunit is configured to transmit a first signal at a
first frequency when it receives electrical current from the power
subunit, the first signal encoding at least a first portion of any
data within the memory subunit. The second circuit is configured to
transmit a second signal at a second frequency when it when it
receives electrical current from the power subunit, the second
signal encoding at least a second portion of any data within the
memory subunit.
[0040] A method of making an identification tag for an animal
including providing a producer of animals, at least one animal, an
animal identification tag with a data transponder and a memory
storage, and a tag printer located adjacent a space for confining
the at least one animal. At least one registration code is acquired
to be assigned to the at least one animal. The at least one
registration code is input to the tag printer. The animal is
positioned in the confined space adjacent the tag printer. The
animal identification tag is positioned within the tag printer. The
registration code is printed on an exterior of the animal
identification tag. The registration code is written into the
memory storage of the animal identification tag. The animal
identification tag is removed from the machine and attached to the
animal.
[0041] An animal identification tag includes a flexible substrate
including upper and lower portions. A substantially rigid
transponder mount is positioned between the upper and lower
portions. A transponder is mounted to the transponder mount. The
transponder includes a data memory storage, an antenna, power
circuitry and transmission circuitry. The power circuitry is
configured to generate electrical current when a first radio signal
at a first frequency is received by the antenna. The transmission
circuitry is configured to transmit at least a portion of any data
within the data memory storage at a second frequency, and to
transmit at least a portion of any data within the data memory
storage at a second frequency when electrical current is received
from the power circuitry. A mounting opening extends through the
upper and lower portions and a mounting opening reinforcement
mounted between the upper and lower bodies adjacent the mounting
opening.
[0042] A device for making animal identification tags including a
housing with a path along which an animal identification tag may be
positioned. A data writing apparatus is located within the housing
adjacent the path and positioned to write digital information to a
data storage of the animal identification tag. A printing device is
located within the housing adjacent the path and positioned to
print information on an exterior of the animal identification tag.
An optical scanner is located within the housing and positioned
adjacent the path to optically scan the printed information on the
exterior of the animal identification tag. A radio frequency
generator and receiver is located within the housing and positioned
adjacent the path to query the digital information written into the
data storage of the animal identification tag.
[0043] A method of tracking livestock includes registering an
identification code with a central database, wherein registering
includes associating the identification code with a user name. A
passive radio frequency identification tag is provided. The
identification code is written to the passive radio frequency
identification tag. Subsequently additional data is written to the
passive radio frequency identification tag.
[0044] A method of tracking livestock including registering an
identification code with a central database, wherein registering
includes associating the identification code with a user name. A
passive radio frequency identification tag is provided. The
identification code is written to the passive radio frequency
identification tag at a physical location where an animal to be
tracked is located.
[0045] A method of tracking livestock including registering an
identification code with a central database, wherein registering
includes associating the identification code with a user name. A
passive radio frequency identification tag is provided. The
identification code is written to the passive radio frequency
identification tag. The passive radio frequency identification tag
is queried using a first frequency and transmits a response at a
second frequency.
[0046] A radio frequency identification tag includes a flexible
substrate and a transponder position within the flexible substrate.
The transponder includes a passive inductance radio frequency
device positioned within a substantially rigid housing.
[0047] The present invention includes an animal, the animal
including coupled to an appendage (e.g., an ear) a tag according to
the present invention.
Illustrated Embodiments
[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional RFID system 10 is shown.
The conventional RFID system 10 includes a base station 12, also
commonly referred to as a reader, and a transponder 14, also
commonly referred to as an identification tag. In the depicted RFID
system 10, the transponder 14 and base station 12 are configured to
be used to track livestock. In particular, the base station 12 and
transponder 14 are configured to transmit and receive radio waves
at the current industry standard for RFID livestock tracking, which
is 134.2 kHz. The base station includes a transceiver 16 that emits
a radio signal 18, which may be received by the transponder 14. The
transponder 14 includes a wire loop antenna 20 constructed of
metal. The wire loop antenna 20 receives the signal 18 and
functions as an inductor to generate an electric current from the
signal 18. The generated electric current powers the semiconductor
chip 22, which is programmed to retrieve a stored identification
number/code and convert the number into a signal 24 that is
transmitted back to the transceiver 16 in the base station 12. In
the embodiment shown, the transponder 14 includes a substantially
rigid housing 26 that protects the wire loop antenna 20 from
bending which would likely otherwise impede or destroy the wire
loop antenna's 20 ability to perform. In some embodiments, the
housing may be made in the form of a plastic disk and include a
hole that is sized to receive a fastener for attaching the housing
26 directly to the ear of an animal.
[0049] A conventional RFID system 10 like the one described above
may perform poorly in identifying animals if they move rapidly past
a point in space, such as a gate at a cattle ranch. The
conventional RFID system 10 may perform poorly due to the length of
time between the sending of the signal 18 from the base station 12
and the receipt of the return signal 24 at the base station 12.
During this time the animal can move, thereby making it difficult
to associate the received number with the correct animal. During
this time the animal may even move out of the communication range
of the base station 12. This task of identifying animals in a
dynamic environment is especially difficult when there are other
animals of similar appearance nearby. Increasing the overall
frequency of transmission, which can increase data transmission
rates, presents one way to decrease the time period and improve the
systems. However, such a change would require establishing a new
industry standard and might also render all the existing systems
and components thereof useless.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, a first embodiment of an RFID system 30
according to the present invention is shown. In the depicted
embodiment the RFID system 30 includes a base station 32 and a
transponder 34. The base station 32 includes a first device 36 for
transmitting and receiving signals at a first frequency 38 and a
second device 40 for transmitting and receiving signals at a second
frequency 42. In an embodiment, the first frequency 38 can be the
standard frequency of 134.2 kHz and the second frequency 42 can be
a higher frequency than the first frequency 38. The transponder 34
includes an antenna, e.g., a wire loop antenna 44, that is
configured to receive and transmit on the first frequency 38. The
depicted wire loop antenna 44 is made of metal and also functions
as an inductor to generate an electrical current for powering a
first semiconductor chip 46. The first semiconductor chip 46 can be
programmed to retrieve a stored identification number and transmit
that identification number back to the first device 36 of the base
station 32 over the first frequency 38. In addition, the first
semiconductor device 46 can be programmed to transmit the
identification number back to the second device 40 of the base
station 32 over the second frequency 42 via a second antenna 48.
This alternative mechanism for transmitting back to the base
station can decrease the response time of the RFID system 30. At
the same time, the RFID system 30 can be configured to remain
compatible with existing systems that operate at lower
frequencies.
[0051] In the depicted embodiment, the transponder 34 further
includes a second semiconductor chip 50 that is electrically
connected to the first semiconductor chip 46. The second
semiconductor chip 50 is shown powered by the current generated by
the metal wire loop antenna 44. The second semiconductor chip 50
may be configured to transmit a signal at second frequency 42. In
some embodiments, the second semiconductor chip 50 is configured so
that the first semiconductor chip 46 of the RFID system 30 is very
similar or even identical to the semiconductor chip 22 of the known
RFID system 10.
[0052] Still referring to FIG. 2, in the depicted embodiment the
second chip 50 may include a writeable memory device for storing
customizable programmable data. Second semiconductor chip 50 can
store any of a variety of data about an animal. For example, the
health history, genetic characteristics, the date and location of
sale, as well as other data may be stored on the second
semiconductor chip 50. Alternatively, such data can be written to a
data storage location of the first semiconductor chip 46. This data
from the first semiconductor chip 46 could be transmitted to the
base station 32 at the second higher frequency via the second
semiconductor chip 50. Alternatively, the customizable programmable
data can be transmitted to the base station 32 at the first
frequency via the first semiconductor chip. The second frequency 42
can be beneficial when the medium of transfer is air, which allows
for higher frequency rates and, consequently, faster rates of
transfer than other materials such as water or cement.
[0053] In the various embodiments herein, the communication link(s)
(e.g., communication links 38 and 42) may be conducted in either
half duplex or full duplex. Thus, in the context of a half duplex
embodiment, a base station, such as the base station 32 depicted in
FIG. 2, may transmit a relatively low frequency carrier (e.g.,
134.2 kHz) to the transponder 34, thereby transferring power to its
internal circuitry. The transponder 34 is configured to receive
energy during this period, but to delay its return transmission(s),
until the base station 32 ceases transmission. After having
transferred energy to the base station 32, the base station 32
ceases its transmission, and enters a period wherein its
transceiving devices 36 and 40 attempt only reception of data.
During this period, the transponder 34 may respond with one or more
return transmissions. For example, the transponder 34 may
simultaneously return transmission on both high and low frequency
carriers 38 and 42. Alternatively, the transponder 34 may divide
this period into two timeframes--a first timeframe, during which
transmission on the low frequency carrier 38 is performed, and a
second timeframe, during which transmission on the high frequency
carrier 42 is performed. In the wake of having received a return
transmission, the base station 32 may re-enter its energy transfer
phase, thereby beginning the cycle anew. In contrast, in the
context of a full duplex embodiment, transmissions to and from a
base station, such as base station 32, and a transponder, such as
transponder 34, occur simultaneously.
[0054] Full duplex schemes exhibit the quality of permitting a
greater quantity of data to be communicated in a given interval of
time. For this reason, under certain circumstances, full duplex
embodiments may be desirable. On the other hand, half duplex
systems may allow for a more reliable return communication from a
transponder. In certain environments, the signal emanating from the
base station may reflect off of one or more surfaces, and return to
the base station. In such a circumstance, if the communication was
conducted in full duplex, the base station would also be receiving
a return transmission from the transponder, meaning that the
reflected signal and the return transmission would interfere with
one another. A half duplex system reduces such interference by
delaying return transmissions until the base station is no longer
transmitting (when the base station ceases transmission, it ceases
to emit signals that can be reflected back to itself, causing the
unwanted interference). Half duplex systems possess other
advantages in terms of simplicity and cost, as well.
[0055] In alternative embodiments, the second semiconductor chip 50
can be configured to communicate with an implanted biosensor, which
can detect a physical characteristic including, for example, the
animal's temperature and/or blood characteristics. Such a sensor
may be integrated with transponder 34 or may be separately
implanted inside the animal. In embodiments where the transponder
34 is separate from the sensors, the sensors may communicate with
transponder 34, which in turn communicates with the base station
32. In such embodiments, the data can be sent back to the base
station 32 for analysis via the first frequency 38 from the wire
loop antenna 44 or the second frequency 42 from the second antenna
48. Depending on the surrounding conditions, the first or second
frequency may be preferred. For example, if only air separates the
transponder 34 and the base station 32, the faster, higher
frequency may be preferred because of the fast transmission rate,
whereas if there are cement walls or other solid or
water-containing objects between the base station 32 and the
transponder 34, then the lower frequency may be preferred due to
its ability to penetrate objects. Alternatively, it should be
appreciated that the biosensors could also communicate directly
with the base station 32.
[0056] The transponder's 34 ability to store more data than an
identification number can be beneficial because, for example, a
tagged animal is often handled or processed by a number of
different individuals. Ensuring that each individual has access to
the data associated with the animal when the data is stored
remotely from the animal can be difficult and expensive. However,
when the data in the RFID system 30 is stored on the semiconductor
chip 50 that is attached to the animal, the handler of the animal
can gain access to the relevant information about the animal.
[0057] Still referring to FIG. 2, the transponder 34 is shown as an
embodiment of an identification tag 52 configured to attach to an
animal. The tag can be configured to attach to any of a variety of
parts of an animal, such as to a wing, leg, ear, fin, flipper,
tail, or any other suitable appendage or portion of the body of the
animal or object to be tracked. In an embodiment, identification
tag 52 is configured to attach to the ear of an animal, for
example, an ear of a cow. The identification tag 52 is shown to
include optional protective housing 54 and optional grommet 56 that
are contained and/or sealed within a flexible outer shell 59. In an
embodiment, the protective housing 54 houses the wire loop antenna
44. The protective housing 54 in the depicted embodiment houses the
wire loop antenna 44, the second antenna 48, and the first and
second semiconductor chips 46 and 50, respectively. In this
embodiment, the protective housing 54 is designed to protect the
electronic components of the transponder 34 from damage as a result
of physical trauma such as bending or crushing. The protective
housing 54 is, thus, generally at least semi-rigid. In some
embodiments, the housing may be made in the form of a plastic disk
and include a hole that is sized to receive a fastener for
attaching the housing 54 directly to the ear of an animal.
[0058] In the depicted embodiment, the identification tag 52 is
constructed to be connected to the animal's ear with a fastener.
The grommet 56 prevents the area of the identification tag 52 that
engages the fastener from ripping or tearing due to concentrated
physical stresses at the point of engagement. The grommet 56 is
shown as a tab of reinforced material. The grommet 56 can be
constructed of many different types of materials including, for
example, metal, plastic, or nylon. The flexible outer shell 59 of
the identification tag 52 encloses the housing 54 and can seal the
protective housing 54 and the reinforced material of the grommet 56
from the external environment. The inclusion of the flexible outer
shell 59 makes the entire identification tag 52 more likely to
yield when it impacts foreign objects such as fence posts and the
like. Accordingly, the arrangement including the flexible outer
shell 59 decreases the chance that the identification tag 52 would
injure an animal.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, a method for manufacturing the
identification tag 52 is shown. The method may include the step of
enclosing or encapsulating housings 54 within or as part of a
flexible outer shell 59. As an example, nip rolling 60 or
laminating flexible outer shell 59 around housings 54 including
electronic components therein may be used to form a strip 62 of
connected identification tags 52. It is anticipated that other
processes or mechanisms may be used to encapsulate or enclose
housings 54 to form strip 62 and tags 52 within the scope of the
present disclosure and the examples provided above are merely
illustrative. In the depicted embodiment reinforced material is
also laminated within the outer shell 59. The depicted method
further includes the step of perforating 64 the identification tags
52 so that they can be detached from each other by tearing the
strip 62. The method may further include the step of punching a
hole 58 in the identification tag 52 that is sized to receive a
fastener for attaching the identification tag 52 to the ear of an
animal. It should be understood that the method might include more
or less steps. For example, in one embodiment the hole 58 is
punched in the identification tag 52 by the tool used to attach the
identification tag 52 to the animal's ear. In other embodiments the
identification tags 52 are not perforated, but rather are cut with
a pair of scissors before use. Furthermore, in the embodiment
shown, the strip 62 is folded over itself for storage. However, it
should be appreciated that the strip 62 could also be rolled over
itself for storage.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, an apparatus and method for customizing
and finishing the strip 62 of identification tags 52 is
illustrated. In the depicted embodiment an identification tag
processor 70 is shown to include an identification tag writer 72, a
printer 74, an optical reader 76, a radio frequency reader 78, and
a central processing unit 80 otherwise referred to as a controller.
The above-identified devices of the tag processor 70 are shown
hardwired together via wires 82. Nonetheless, it should be
appreciated that the devices can be connected without wires such as
via infrared signaling. In addition, it should be understood that
identification tag processor 70 may include more or less devices
than are shown in FIG. 5. For example, in some embodiments the
optical reader 76 is omitted and the verification is done manually.
In other embodiments the identification tag processor 70 includes
additional devices such as a touch panel user interface. The
functions of the individual devices identified above are addressed
in further detail below.
[0061] The depicted method of customizing and finishing the strip
62 of tags 52 is shown in FIG. 5A. The method includes loading
(operation 84) the strip 62 into the identification tag processor
70. The method can include writing (operation 86) such as with the
tag writer 72 the identification number and other data defined by
the end user to the memory of the identification tag 52. The method
can include printing or otherwise marking (operation 88) the outer
surface of the identification tags 52 with text, bar codes, etc,
defined by the end user, such as with the printer 74. The
identification tags 52 can include any number of different kinds of
markings, which can be determined at the site of printing by the
operator of the system. For example, in the embodiment of the
identification tag 52 shown in FIG. 6, the identification tag 52 is
marked with an ID number, the particular animal type, a bar code,
and the weight of the animal at a particular date. The other data
or marking can include, for example, the date and time that the tag
is being printed or that the animal arrived at or departed from the
facility.
[0062] Once the outer surface of the identification tag 52 is
printed or otherwise marked 88, the outside marking can be verified
(operation 90) by a device, such as the optical reader 76, that
reads the markings and compares the read marking to the intended
markings. Such devices may employ, for example, well known optical
character recognition technology. Similarly, once the
identification number or code is written to the inner electronic
components of the identification tag 52, the writing of the
identification number can be verified by a device, such as radio
frequency reader 78, that reads the identification number and
compares the read number with the number that was intended to be
written. According to the above process, the tags are processed and
the accuracy of the processing is checked. It should be understood
that although the processing can be accomplished at one physical
location as shown in FIG. 5, in alternative embodiments, the
processing occurs in different physical locations and in a
different order. On the other hand, in some embodiments, the
optional laminating process shown in FIG. 3 is integrated with the
finishing processes shown in FIG. 5 so that the identification tag
can be generated completely on site.
[0063] It is anticipated that the tag writer 72 may be configured
so that a producer or other user may be required to input each
identification number in turn to enable the writing of that number
to the memory and printing of the tags. Alternatively, tag writer
72, or an associated device connected via a network or any wired or
wireless connection, may be pre-loaded or authorized to dispense a
certain set of identification numbers. In an operation analogous to
a refillable postage meter, a producer may request a set of
identification numbers be assigned to the particular premises in
anticipation of a need to tag and identify animals. In such an
arrangement tag writer 72 could then dispense tags printed and
coded with those pre-loaded numbers, improving efficiency of
tagging operations that may be carried out chute-side at the
producer's premises. Data entry errors may be reduced as well,
improving the accuracy of tracking of the tagged animals. When the
producer has exhausted the set of numbers that have been assigned
to the tag writer 72, the producer may request that a new set of
numbers be approved so that the tag writer 72 can be
"refilled."
[0064] In an embodiment of the current system the memory device in
the transponder 34 can be written only once. In certain situations
this type of system is preferred because it ensures that the
identification numbers are not intentionally tampered with or
accidentally changed once the card is created. On the other hand,
it may be desirable that some data stored on the identification tag
be erased and rewritten. In such embodiments, at least a portion of
the memory location in the identification tags could be rewriteable
and the tags may later be processed again through a similar device
for updating the saved information. In these embodiments, the
memory may be configured with a portion as write-once space for
storage of the identification number and a portion as rewritable
for storage of other information.
[0065] Schemes 1 and 2 below schematically describe additional
embodiments of the tag, system, and methods of the present
invention.
[0066] A further embodiment of an identification tag according to
the present invention may include a forming or molding process
involving a strip substrate onto which are positioned various
components of the tag. Such a strip substrate 100 is shown in FIG.
7. Substrate 100 includes a plurality of mounting locations 102
onto which are positioned the components of a tag in a desired
order (which will be described further below). To begin forming a
tag, substrate 100 is extended into a tag production device 104,
which may be a single enclosed machine or which may be composed of
a plurality of individual machines performing one or more but not
all of the constituent processes.
[0067] A first mounting location 102 is positioned within device
104 so one or more wires or circuits 106 may be formed onto
substrate 100. Circuits 106 may include a first lead 108, a coil
110, and a second lead 112. A chip 114 may be positioned and
electrically connected to leads 108 and 112. Coil 110 is preferably
composed of a plurality of windings of an electrically conductive
wire, and may serve as both an induction coil and a transmission
antenna, as described above. A secondary antenna may also be laid
onto substrate 100 at location 102, such as within coil 110.
Alternatively, coil 110 may serve as both high and low frequency
transmission antenna, so that secondary antenna is not needed. As a
further alternative, the secondary antenna could be located outside
of coil 110 and still electrically connected to chip 114.
[0068] In an embodiment, once coil 110, leads 108 and 112, and chip
114 have been positioned on substrate 100 at a position 102, device
104 may include a data write head 140 to digitally encode a unique
identifier 142 into chip 114, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0069] It is desirable that device 104 be configured to perform a
dual mold operation, such as illustrated in FIG. 9. In a dual mold
operation, a first molded material 118 is placed at location 102
about coil 110, chip 114, and leads 108 and 112. First molded
material 118 is sized to encase the earlier placed components in a
relatively less flexible and more durable material, which can help
maintain the integrity of the components and the connections
between the components. However, as it is desirable to have a
flexible tag to attach to the animal to be identified, the entire
tag is preferably not molded of this relatively less flexible
material. In a second molding process within device 104, a second,
more flexible molded material 120 is placed about and encases first
molded material 118. Second material 120 preferably forms the
finished size and shape of a tag 122.
[0070] Substrate 100 can be made of any of a variety of materials
of sufficient strength and flexibility to provide a workable tag.
Suitable materials include polyurethane, or similar flexible
materials. It is anticipated that substrate 100 and tag 122 can
include or be made of any of a wide variety of thermoactive
materials. Numerous suitable thermoactive materials are
commercially available.
[0071] Suitable thermoactive materials include thermoplastic,
thermoset material, a resin and adhesive polymer, or the like. As
used herein, the term "thermoplastic" refers to a plastic that can
once hardened be melted and reset. As used herein, the term
"thermoset" material refers to a material (e.g., plastic) that once
hardened cannot readily be melted and reset. As used herein, the
phrase "resin and adhesive polymer" refers to more reactive or more
highly polar polymers than thermoplastic and thermoset
materials.
[0072] Suitable thermoplastics include polyamide, polyolefin (e.g.,
polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene-copropylene),
poly(ethylene-coalphaolefin), polybutene, polyvinyl chloride,
acrylate, acetate, and the like), polystyrenes (e.g., polystyrene
homopolymers, polystyrene copolymers, polystyrene terpolymers, and
styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) polymers), polysulfone, halogenated
polymers (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,
polycarbonate, or the like, copolymers and mixtures of these
materials, and the like. Suitable vinyl polymers include those
produced by homopolymerization, copolymerization,
terpolymerization, and like methods. Suitable homopolymers include
polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, poly-1-butene,
etc., polyvinylchloride, polyacrylate, substituted polyacrylate,
polymethacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate, copolymers and mixtures
of these materials, and the like. Suitable copolymers of
alpha-olefins include ethylene-propylene copolymers,
ethylene-hexylene copolymers, ethylene-methacrylate copolymers,
ethylene-methacrylate copolymers, copolymers and mixtures of these
materials, and the like. In certain embodiments, suitable
thermoplastics include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), copolymers and mixtures of these
materials, and the like. In certain embodiments, suitable
thermoplastics include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), low density polyethylene (LDPE),
copoly-ethylene-vinyl acetate, copolymers and mixtures of these
materials, and the like.
[0073] Suitable thermoset materials include epoxy materials,
melamine materials, copolymers and mixtures of these materials, and
the like. In certain embodiments, suitable thermoset materials
include epoxy materials and melamine materials. In certain
embodiments, suitable thermoset materials include epichlorohydrin,
bisphenol A, diglycidyl ether of 1,4-butanediol, diglycidyl ether
of neopentyl glycol, diglycidyl ether of cyclohexanedimethanol,
aliphatic; aromatic amine hardening agents, such as
triethylenetetraamine, ethylenediamine,
N-cocoalkyltrimethylenediamine, isophoronediamine,
diethyltoluenediamine, tris(dimethylaminomethylphe-nol); carboxylic
acid anhydrides such as methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride,
hexahydrophthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride, polyazelaic
polyanhydride and phthalic anhydride, mixtures of these materials,
and the like.
[0074] Suitable resin and adhesive polymer materials include resins
such as condensation polymeric materials, vinyl polymeric
materials, and alloys thereof. Suitable resin and adhesive polymer
materials include polyesters (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate,
polybutylene terephthalate, and the like), methyl diisocyanate
(urethane or MDI), organic isocyanide, aromatic isocyanide,
phenolic polymers, urea based polymers, copolymers and mixtures of
these materials, and the like. Suitable resin materials include
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyacetyl resins,
polyacrylic resins, fluorocarbon resins, nylon, phenoxy resins,
polybutylene resins, polyarylether such as polyphenylether,
polyphenylsulfide materials, polycarbonate materials, chlorinated
polyether resins, polyethersulfone resins, polyphenylene oxide
resins, polysulfone resins, polyimide resins, thermoplastic
urethane elastomers, copolymers and mixtures of these materials,
and the like. In certain embodiments, suitable resin and adhesive
polymer materials include polyester, methyl diisocyanate (urethane
or MDI), phenolic polymers, urea based polymers, and the like.
[0075] Suitable thermoactive materials include polymers derived
from renewable resources, such as polymers including polylactic
acid (PLA) and a class of polymers known as polyhydroxyalkanoates
(PHA). PHA polymers include polyhydroxybutyrates (PHB),
polyhydroxyvalerates (PHV), and polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate
copolymers (PHBV), polycaprolactone (PCL) (i.e. TONE),
polyesteramides (i.e. BAK), a modified polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) (i.e. BIOMAX), and "aliphatic-aromatic" copolymers (i.e.
ECOFLEX and EASTAR BIO), mixtures of these materials and the
like.
[0076] Whatever material is used for substrate 100, the material
should be compatible with first and second molded materials 118 and
120. This will ensure good adhesion of the material once they are
molded together to form tag 122. It may be preferable to have
substrate 100 and molded materials 118 and 120 be made from
different forms, durometer or hardness of the same base material,
such as polyurethane. Such a common material base for all three
components may help to improve bonding of the materials of tag 122.
Another approach to improving bonding or adhesion between the
materials may be to mold second material 120 about first material
118 while first material 118 is still green, meaning that it has
not fully cooled or cured. These approaches to improve bonding or
adhesion may be applied separately in the formation of tag 122 or
may be combined.
[0077] As described above, tag 122 may be printed upon in a later
process with various unique identification numbers and other unique
visual attributes. However, such printed markings may be
susceptible to damage if they are surface markings only. Device 104
may be configured to mold in a unique identification number in an
exterior surface of second material 120. Such a molded in marking
126 is less susceptible to destruction during movement of a tagged
animal. Such a molding-in process within device 104 may be carried
out with a mold imprint that is automatically indexed for each tag
122 produced along substrate 100, so that each tag 122 has a unique
identifier compared to the other tags of the substrate. If sets of
numbers are provided by an appropriate government agency, the
molded in numbers can be made to correspond to or match the
government issued numbers. Tag 122 may also include an area 128 for
adding a local or management identifier separate from the
government issued identifier.
[0078] As an alternative, or in addition, to the identifier molding
process described above, device 104 may also include an inkjet
printer head, a laser printer head, or some form of a sublimation
printer head. These different printer heads within device 104 would
provide for different levels of permanence and durability of
markings as compared with the molding process. The print head can
be employed to print, for example, the date and time that the tag
is being printed or that the animal arrived at or departed from the
facility. It is also anticipated that different in-mold decorating
processes may be used to mark tag 122 with unique government
identifier 142. Also, other methods may be used to provide
additional security for the authenticity of tag 122, such as heat
stamping holograms or similar features into tag 122 during the
placement of second material 120 within the mold.
[0079] In-mold marking or labeling may be incorporated with the
present disclosure to provide an alternative approach to forming
tags 122 with distinct visual appearances. Such in-mold marking may
include the insertion of a pre-printed mold-sized substrate within
the mold and adhered to an inner surface of the mold. When second
material 120 is injected into the mold, the pre-printed substrate
and second material 120 would fuse or bond, durably attaching
marking to the exterior of tag 122 during the molding process. As
alternative, substrate 100 may be used to incorporate a pre-printed
exterior marking, for example, on a reverse side opposite where the
antenna is formed, and device 104 configured to ensure that this
reverse side of substrate 100 is part of an outer surface of tag
122.
[0080] Depending on the requirements of the particular application,
device 104 may provide tags 122 with unique government identifier
142 and one or more local indicia, such as color coding, or larger
printed identifiers such as, but not limited to local or management
numbers 146. Such a combination of government issued identifier 142
and local management number 146 would permit tag 122 to fulfill
both higher level tracking and long term functions along with
shorter term local functions, such as tracking an animal in a
feedlot or an auction facility. The local indicia can include, for
example, the date and time that the tag is being printed or that
the animal arrived at or departed from the facility.
[0081] As described above, tag 122 is shown with a single chip 114
mounted to substrate 100. In this embodiment, chip 114 is capable
of handling both high and low frequency transmission. It is also
anticipated that two separate chips may be mounted within each tag
122. One of the chips may manage receipt of power induced by an
external signal received through coil 110 and then the transmission
of one of the two transmission frequencies. The first chip would
also pass some of the induced energy from coil 110 to the second
chip. The second chip may then transmit on the second frequency. It
may be desirable to use two separate chips to reduce overall cost
of production or to improve efficiency of the transmission or
reception functions of tag 122. Alternatively, using two chips may
enable more flexibility in the use of alternative embodiments of
tags, as will be described below.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 10, a string of tags 122 formed on
substrate 100 is maintained in a continuous strip 124, which may be
fanfolded, rolled or otherwise packaged for sending to a producer,
an auction lot, or other location within the animal production
process. In an embodiment, tags 122 in strip 124 are inserted
within a printing and encoding device 130 that may be positioned
chute or corral side for ease of operation. Each of the tags 122 is
pre-molded and encoded with a government issued identifier. Each of
the tags 122 also includes area 128 for printing, embossing or
otherwise marking with a local or management identifier. Area 128
allows a printing head 134 of chute side printer and encoder 130 to
be used to apply a specific marking immediately prior to tag 122
being attached to the animal. While a novel printer/encoder
embodiment 130 is described and shown herein, it is anticipated
that tags 122 and strip 124 may be used with conventional printers
currently in use for printing characters or symbols within area
128.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 11, chute side printer and encoder 130 may
also include an encoding head 136 to place additional digital
information on chip 114 that will be transmitted at the higher
frequency when tag 122 is queried with an appropriate signal. As
shown also in FIG. 12, such additional information 144 could
include identifiers of the producer premises, relevant dates, local
control numbers or other elements. As shown in FIG. 12, chute side
printer and encoder 130 may also upload certain information to a
national database 148 to associate a particular government
identifier 142 with particular additional information 144.
[0084] By having tags 122 maintained in a strip 124, printer 130
may advance tags 122 automatically without requiring a user to
manually insert tags. After each tag 122 is printed with a local
management number 146 in print area 128, a web 132 between each tag
122 may be severed by a final operation of printer 130, and a user
may retrieve the tag for attaching to the animal. Having tags 122
in a specific order along strip 124 ensures that a known sequence
of government identifiers may be assigned to animals.
[0085] As described above, one of the unique features of tag 122 is
the inclusion of two distinct transmission frequencies. In
addition, these two frequencies may be provided to communicate
different sets of data and they may function at different ranges or
proximities to a transceiver keyed to induce power into coil 110.
Differences in frequency may also be configured to provide
different depths of penetration as balanced with signal or data
density or transmission speed. A lower frequency signal, such as
query signal 150 and reply signal 151 will be able to penetrate
through relatively more material but will have relatively shorter
range of transmission to an external transceiver 152, as shown in
FIG. 13. Such a lower frequency signal will also be able to
transmit relatively less data over time. A higher frequency signal
154 will provide a greater transmission distance if the range is
unobstructed, though signal 154 will not be able to penetrate an
obstruction as well as signals 150, 151. Further, signal 154 will
be able to transmit a greater amount of data over the same amount
of time to a receiver 156, as compared to signal 151.
[0086] However, since there is growing acceptance of a standard, or
ISO frequency for use with agricultural animals, such as cattle, at
least one of the frequencies transmitted by tag 122 preferably
conforms to the standard. The second, or any additional frequencies
may be configured as desired by a user or producer to accomplish
other herd management or sales tasks. For example, a producer may
desire to have ear tags on cattle which transmit a government
issued identification number to a standard transceiver and also
transmit more specific information such as date of birth, or more
specific herd information, to specialized receiver. The government
identifier is likely a required item that must be transmitted by
tag 122, while the remaining data items are for specific herd or
sales functions.
[0087] In the previous examples of printing and encoding of tags,
described above, the tag was printed and encoded with all data and
identifiers directly at chute side or in a single process. This
alternative embodiment may involve two processes, one process for
the creation of strip 124 of tags 122, each pre-encoded with a
government identifier and indelibly marked with the identifier, and
the other process for the printing and encoding local management
data and identifiers. It is anticipated that the first process may
be performed in a high efficiency and secure setting, which may be
centralized and serve a plurality of producers and auction lots.
The second process may take place at a user location, such as chute
side at an auction yard or at a producer's premises.
[0088] By having coil 110 optimized for use with a standardized ISO
frequency, which is typically approximately 134.2 kHz, the
induction coil can be used to provide power to both of the high and
low speed transmission circuits. Current tags are generally
arranged to receive a signal with coil 110 at the same frequency
that they transmit through coil 110. Tag 122 is configured so that
power is induced within coil 110 and energizes both transmit
circuits at the same time. Thus, the higher frequency transmit
capability of tag 122 does not require a separate coil 110 and the
high frequency receiver receiving the higher frequency data signal
from tag 122 does not require a transmitter. Alternatively,
transceiver 152 may include receiver 156 within an integral housing
such as housing 158, so that a single unit may receive both the low
and high frequency signals 150, 151, and 154.
[0089] Another advantage to using two different frequencies for
transmitting data from tag 122 is that it allows more information
to be gathered from animals 160 that may be moving quickly, for
example, along a passageway or chute 162 between pens or other
holding enclosures. With the lower frequency signals 150, 151, the
animal may be within range of transceiver 152 for only a short
time, allowing only the simple government identifier to be
transmitted and received, before the animal has moved out of range.
The paired use of higher frequency signal 154, with a
proportionally longer range and a greater transmission speed, may
provide a longer dwell time of the animal within the range of
receiver 156 and provide for the transmission of more detailed data
during this dwell time. Both of these frequencies, with their
different ranges and transmission speed, are examples of near-field
communications approaches and some of the trade-offs that may exist
with such approaches. The pairing of complementary near-field
communications systems within a single tag 122 provides for a
balancing of the tradeoffs without sacrificing conformance with a
required standard or speed and density of data transmission.
[0090] As shown in FIG. 13, more than one animal 160 may be within
range of either or both transceiver 152 and receiver 156
simultaneously. They may be within chute 162, a holding pen or
corral, or some other enclosure. When this occurs, a plurality of
tags 122 may be trying to respond to query signal 150, so that a
plurality of signals 151 and 154 may be transmitted at the same
time. In such a situation, some form of anti-collision mechanism is
desirable to reduce conflicts or collisions among the plurality of
signals 151 and 154 being transmitted by the plurality of tags 122
so that each of the signals 151 and 154 can be captured by
transceiver 152. One embodiment of an anti-collision approach may
be to include a switch in the higher frequency transmission
portions of circuitry 106 of tags 122 and to configure a second
transceiver 256 in place of receiver 156. Such a switch, preferably
included on chip 114, would permit transceiver 256 to signal to
each tag in turn when it has received the additional information
144 from that particular tag 122. When a tag 122 receives this
acknowledgement signal from second transceiver 256, the tag 122
would cease to transmit its additional information 144. This will
permit transceiver to in turn receive and acknowledge the receipt
of the additional information 144 from each tag 122 in turn, until
all the tags 122 within range of transceiver 256 have ceased to
transmit high frequency signals.
[0091] Such anti-collision technology could also be applied to the
lower frequency transmission by tags 122 but is less likely to be
needed, due to the shorter range of the lower frequency
transmissions. In addition, it may be desirable to ensure that tag
122 always transmits its government identifier when polled by
transceiver 152.
[0092] As shown in the earlier FIGS., different antennas for each
of the different frequencies may be provided within tag 122. One of
the transmission antennas is shown as the same coil 110 that
receives an induction and polling signal to trigger transmission by
tag 122. It is anticipated that tag 122 may include a single
transmission antenna that serves both frequencies, with coil 110
serving only as a receiving antenna. Also, the antennas shown have
a generally planar layout, lying generally parallel with tag 122.
Such an antenna layout transmits most efficiently in a direction
perpendicular to the plane of tag 122. However, it is difficult to
ensure that tag 122 will be optimally positioned by the marked
animal to place the tag in the desired plane. It is anticipated
that one or both transmission antennas may be configured to be more
omni-directional, and thus may provide a stronger signal in one or
both frequencies along a broader range of directions.
[0093] It is further anticipated that tag 122 may include a powered
or semi-powered transmitter with an on-board power source, as
compared to the transmitters described above which receive induced
power from transceiver 152 via coil 110. Such an alternative
embodiment might still be triggered to transmit stored data through
a signal from transceiver 152, but the on-board power supply might
provide for higher signal strength or length of transmission than
might be possible with the induced power embodiment shown above. By
semi-powered, it is intended to mean that the tag would still
receive some power via induction through coil 110 but that more
power than that induced might be available for transmission.
[0094] There are a variety of combinations of fully- and
semi-powered transmission capabilities that may be included within
the present invention. It is anticipated that the two or more
transmission circuits included on tag 122 could transmit in
distinctly different fashions, in response to a query signal. One
of the transmission circuits could respond by transmitting
continuously for a fixed period of time, or until the level of
power available in a capacitor connected to the circuit dropped
below a specified level. One of the transmission circuits might
transmit data only a specified number of times (for example 1 to 3
times) in a burst mode only in direct response to a query signal.
This burst mode could be a higher power transmission that draws
power from an on-board capacitor or battery. Such a high power
transmission could only be supported for a limited number of
operations before draining the power supply so it is likely that
the number of bursts performed in response to a query signal would
be smaller. It is also anticipated that an on-board capacitor may
provide a more persistent storage of at least a partial charge,
rather than discharging entirely during transmission. If tag 122
only transmits for a specified period of time when exposed to a
query signal, any remaining charge within the capacitor could be
conserved to support future transmissions. In addition, if tag 122
remains within range of the query signal after completing the
specified length of transmission, exposure to the query signal
could also induce current to provide additional charge to the
capacitor.
[0095] A higher power transmission in response to a query mode
could be also be accomplished on a periodic basis when tag 122 is
continuously within range of a query signal. Since the query signal
may be used to induce an electric current in tag 122 to power
operation, if tag 122 is continuously in range of such a signal,
the induced current could be directed to a capacitor. When the
capacitor has reached a certain level of charge, the burst mode of
transmission could be enabled. Similarly, an on-board battery could
be used to provide a periodic burst transmission but interval may
be based on a clock cycle rather than a capacitor charge level. For
example, while within range of the query signal, tag 122 may
transmit data in burst mode every ten minutes, or some other
pre-specified interval.
[0096] In conjunction with the collision avoidance approach
described above, an on-board capacitor on tag 122 may be charged by
inductance by the query signal, even if tag 122 has been instructed
to not transmit all or part of its data. It is also anticipated
that an on-board battery and an on-board capacitor may be used in
conjunction with one another. In such an example, the capacitor
would receive some induced current from the query signal, which
would trigger transmission of data on the multiple frequencies of
tag 122. While the charge within the capacitor may be sufficient to
permit transmission, the battery may be used to enhance the power
of the signal transmitted on one or more of the frequencies. Such a
pairing of capacitor and battery may extend the life of the battery
by only tapping it for supplemental power to augment the power
provided by the capacitor. Such a pairing of power sources for tag
122 could provide for enhanced range of data transmission and may
also permit tag 122 to transmit a greater volume of data.
[0097] Such added capacity for transmission data may be utilized by
incorporating one or more biosensor devices, such as a core body or
blood temperature sensor, located elsewhere on the animal to which
tag 122 is attached. It is anticipated that these biosensors could
be incorporated into a local data bus for the animal and that tag
122 could serve as a storage device or a retransmission device for
data collected and signaled by the biosensors. In such an
arrangement, the biosensors would have low level communication
capabilities that would be sufficient strong to transmit data to
tag 122, which might be attached, for example, to an ear of the
animal. Tag 122 would then retain some amount of information, such
as the most recent data from the biosensors, and then transmit this
data in response to a query signal. The power required to transmit
this additional data received from the biosensors and held by tag
122 may make the additional transmission capacity provided by
including a persistent on-board power supply. Such a persistent
power supply could be an on-board battery or a capacitor which
maintains some residual charge after transmission and which may
recharge itself with induced current from a query signal between
transmissions.
[0098] It is also anticipated that the above dual process creation
of animal identification tags may be adapted to non-electronic
identifier tags. As an example, it is known to provide animals with
temporary back tags once they arrive at an auction lot from a
producer facility. These back tags include basic identification of
the animals and their source during and immediately after the
auction but are not intended to be permanently attached to the
animal. Such tags may still be created with a government issued
identifier at a central facility and shipped to the auction lot for
chute side printing with the desired local identifiers and source
information that are necessary for the sale to proceed. Such tags
might only last for a week or so, but this may be sufficient time
for an animal to pass from a producer through an auction lot, to a
buyer, who immediately processes the animal. The government
identifier would accompany the animal during these transitional
steps between the various parties and be available to the processor
to ensure that a source identifier remains with the animal. While
not having the benefit of the remote query and transmission
capabilities described above, this temporary tagging production
process may satisfy regulatory requirements for identification of
source throughout the transfer and processing functions.
[0099] Similarly, it is anticipated that an alternative embodiment
of tag 122 may be constructed without the electronics for receiving
or transmitting signals. This alternative non-electronic tag could
still be created in a continuous strip upon substrate 100 and
pre-printed with a unique government identifier through a variety
of in-mold or post molding labeling techniques described above. The
tag could then be transported chute-side, where a local identifier
and/or additional information regarding the animal, such as source,
date of birth, etc, may be printed on the tag before it is affixed
to the animal.
[0100] It is also anticipated that back tags may be formed
according to the present invention which incorporate one or more of
the signaling features described above. Such RFID back tags may be
configured similarly to tag 122 or other tags described above, and
include antenna(s) and circuitry for receiving a signal at a first
frequency, and responding with a signal at one or more frequencies.
Such RFID back tags would not need to be encapsulated in a durable
outer layer, such as second material 120, as the back tags are not
intended to be present on the animal or object marked for an
extended period of time. It may be desirable to have these back
tags include first material 118 as a more durable, more rigid layer
than current back tags, to provide some degree of integrity
protection for the antenna and circuitry as the tag is attached to
the back of an animal and the animal wanders about a corral or pen
at a sales or holding facility. The antenna and signal circuitry
could be mounted to substrate 100 and then overmolded with first
material 118, as described above. The combination can be marked
in-mold or printed on post molding to provide the external markings
described above. This external printing may be accomplished wholly
or in part at chute-side. As described above, these RFID back tags
may be encoded wholly or in part at chute-side as well.
[0101] FIG. 14 depicts a transport vehicle 1400 carrying a
plurality of animals (represented as circle, some of which are
individually called out with reference numerals) to a facility. The
animals depart from the transport vehicle through a door 1402, and
are guided by fencing 1404 to the facility (not depicted).
[0102] At the facility, the animals (e.g., cattle) may be held in
various holding areas. (The animals are referred to below as cattle
for the sake of illustration. It is to be understood that the
animals may be of any species.) Depending upon the transaction to
be carried out at the facility, the cattle may be segregated by
ownership, size, anticipated size at some point in the future, etc.
Thus, for example, one holding area may contain cattle owned by one
owner, while another holding area contains cattle owned by another
owner. Alternatively, one holding area may contain cattle of a
particular size or projected size, while another holding area may
hold cattle of another size or projected size. In any event, the
cattle are put into various holding areas at the facility based
upon a segregation criterion.
[0103] En route to the facility, the cattle pass through a
communication zone 1406. The communication zone 1406 is an area in
which an RFID tag attached to a steer or heifer receives a query
(i.e., a transmission of electromagnetic radiation at a given
frequency or frequencies) transmitted from a base station 1408, as
described above with reference to FIGS. 1-13. Outside of the
communication zone 1406, an RFID tag is out of range of the base
station 1408, meaning that the RFID tag does not receive a query
from the base station 1408, and does not attempt to generate a
return transmission. In FIG. 14, the communication zone 1406 is
depicted as being at a point removed from the truck. Of course, the
communication zone 1406 may be located at any desired point,
including in the transport vehicle itself, at the door of the
transport vehicle, or at the entry of the facility, for
example.
[0104] As a steer or heifer passes through the communication zone
1406, the RFID tag associated with the animal receives a query from
the base station 1408. In response, the RFID tag replies with a
communication frame. As described previously, the communication
frame may include a unique number, which identifies the animal. In
addition, or as an alternative, the communication frame may include
the segregation criterion used to sort the various animals into the
various holding areas within the facility. (Of course, other
information may be stored in an RFID tag, and may be included in
the communication frame, as described previously.) Thus, as a given
steer or heifer passes through the communication zone 1406, its
identity and sorting criterion may be known to the personnel
operating the facility. For example, the information transmitted
from a given RFID tag to the base station 1408 may be presented
upon a display, so that the personnel can view the display as the
animal passes through the communication zone 1406, and can thereby
determine to which holding area the animal should be lead.
[0105] Observation of FIG. 14 reveals some challenges. The
underlying premise of the aforementioned scheme is that when the
identification information/sorting criterion is presented on the
display, the personnel operating the facility will be able to
determine the particular animal to which the information
corresponds (i.e., they mentally ask themselves "which animal just
walked through the communication zone?"). As previously noted, the
communication zone 1408 is finite, and the cattle may pass through
the zone 1406 quickly. Thus, it is possible that the return
transmission may not be fully processed and presented on the
display until the animal has already exited the communication zone
1406, and progressed toward the facility. Such an eventuality is
troublesome, because confusion may arise regarding the identity of
a particular animal corresponding to the information presented on
the display. For example, the animal may mingle with other animals,
creating confusion regarding which animal had just passed through
the communication zone 1406. To reduce the impact of this problem,
it is beneficial to reduce the duration of time between receipt of
the query by the RFID tag and the receipt of the return response
and subsequent presentation on the display. This issue has been
addressed in one manner previously by virtue of the aforementioned
embodiments of the device that utilize a higher carrier frequency
(e.g., 13.5 MHz) and thereby carry data to the base station 1408 at
a higher data rate. As an alternative, the aforementioned duration
may be shortened by reducing the amount of data that is transmitted
from a given RFID tag to the base station 1408. An exemplary scheme
for such a reduction in transmitted data is described with
reference to FIGS. 16A and 16B (described below).
[0106] Observation of FIG. 14 reveals another challenge. As can be
seen in FIG. 14, more than one animal may be in the communication
zone 1406 at the same time. Consequently, as the base station 1408
transmits a query, the query is received by each of the animals in
the communication zone 1406. For example, since animals 1410-1414
are simultaneously located within the communication zone 1406, each
of the RFID tags attached to the animals 1410-1414 receives the
query and attempts to reply with a response message frame. The
response message frames from each of the RFID tags on each of the
animals 1410-1414 may interfere with one another, meaning that one
or more of the animals 1410-1414 may pass through the communication
zone 1406 without ever having successfully transmitted its response
message frame to the base station 1408. Therefore, there exists a
need for a scheme by which tag-to-tag interference is reduced.
Exemplary embodiments of such a scheme are presented with reference
to FIG. 15.
[0107] The scheme depicted in FIG. 15 operates upon the proposition
that, during manufacture, or at some point thereafter, each RFID
tag is encoded with either or both of a delay control value and/or
a repeat control value. Briefly, a delay control value is a number
store in the memory of an RFID tag, or encoded in the circuitry
thereof, which determines a duration of time the RFID tag waits
from the moment it receives a query to the moment it replies with a
response message frame. A repeat control value is a number store in
the memory of an RFID tag, or encoded in the circuitry thereof,
which determines a repetition rate at which a given RFID tag sends
a set of N response message frames (e.g., an RFID tag replies to a
query by the transmission of N response message frames repeated at
a rate determined by the repeat control value).
[0108] FIG. 15 depicts a method by which an RFID tag may use the
delay control value and/or repeat control value stored/encoded
therein. As can be seen from FIG. 15, a given RFID tag initially
receives a query transmission, and is thereby energized (operation
1500). Next, as shown in operation 1502, the delay control value is
retrieved from memory. Thereafter, the RFID tag delays for a period
of time determined by the delay control value before replying with
a response message frame (operation 1504). For example, the RFID
tag may include a clock circuit therein (e.g., a clock circuit may
be embodied within or in communication with the transmission
circuitry). The delay control value may be an integer expressing
the number of clock cycles to be witnessed by the transmission
circuitry before replying with a response message frame. Thus,
turning to FIG. 14, the RFID tag associated with animal 1410 may be
assigned a delay control value causing it to delay a period of 300
ms prior to generation of a response message frame, while animal
1412 may delay for 600 ms, and animal 1414 may wait for a period of
0 ms. The net result of the delay control values, then, is to
achieve a time domain multiplexing effect, in which each RFID tag
within the communication zone responds at a different point in
time.
[0109] An RFID tag may also respond to the receipt of a query
(operation 1500) by retrieving a repeat control value stored in
memory, as shown in operation 1506. Thereafter, each RFID tag may
respond to the query by transmitting a set of N response message
frames with a periodicity determined by the repeat control value,
as depicted in operation 1508. (Again, for example, the RFID tag
may include a clock circuit with, or in communication with, its
transmission circuitry, in order to control the periodicity). Thus,
for example, animal 1410 may be assigned a repetition
rate/periodicity of 100 ms, while animal 1412 is assigned a
repetition rate of 150 ms, and animal 1414 is assigned a repetition
rate of 250 ms. Thus, assuming for the sake of illustration that
N=3, upon receipt of the query, each RFID tag corresponding with
animals 1410-1414 replies with three identical message frames.
Initially, if no delay interval is used (i.e., if operations
1502-1504 are not used), each of the transmissions interferes with
one another. However, during the subsequent repetitions, each RFID
tag eventually transmits a response frame that is uninterrupted by
the other repeated response frames, by virtue of the variety of
repeat control values assigned to each tag. It is understood that
the delay and repeat schemes described by operations 1502-1504 and
1506-1508 may be used individually or in combination with one
another (i.e., an RFID tag may be configured to both delay its
response, and to repeat its response at a desired rate).
[0110] One underlying premise of the foregoing schemes is that the
delay control values and repeat control values assigned to the RFID
tags associated with the incoming animals exhibit a variety
sufficient to achieve the goal of providing each RFID tag with a
portion of time during which it is the only RFID tag responding to
the base station. To enhance the chances of that goal being
realized, the delay control values and/or repeat control values
assigned to the RFID tags may be stored, so that a desired
distribution of delay control values and/or repeat control values
may be enforced across a set of RFID tags. For example, for a given
set of RFID tags, the distribution of delay control value and/or
repeat control values may be approximately Gaussian or constant
(i.e., "flat").
[0111] As discussed previously, it may be desirable to reduce the
amount of data transmitted from an RFID tag to the base station.
FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a scheme by which such a reduction may
be achieved. FIG. 16A depicts an exemplary (simplified) embodiment
of a standard message frame transmitted from a given RFID tag to a
base station, upon receipt of a query. As can be seen from FIG.
16A, the standard message frame include a header 1600, followed by
30 bits, which constitute the unique identification number 1602
assigned to a particular animal, followed by an arrangement of stop
bits 1604. (30 bits is sufficient to generate over one billion
unique identification numbers, and is used for the sake of
illustration only. If a greater or lesser number is needed, the
unique identification number may include a greater or lesser number
of bits. Also, it is to be noted that the exemplary frame of FIG.
16A is simplified in that certain well understood features of
communication frames are not depicted therein, because they are not
of interest in this context, e.g., error correction codes, parity
bits, etc.)
[0112] Turning to FIG. 16B, it can be seen that a frame of lesser
length may adequately communicate the unique identification number
to a base station, if the base station is seeded with a reference
number to begin with. Consider, for example, the situation in which
a set of one-hundred animals arriving on a transport vehicle have
been assigned a set of consecutive numbers, such as 942,056,032
through 942,056,131. In such an instance, for example, it is
unnecessary to transmit the entire identification code. Instead,
the base station may be seeded with a reference number, which, in
this case, may be equal to the smallest identification number
assigned to any of the animals, i.e., 942,056,032. In the wake of
having seeded the base station with the reference numeral, a given
RFID tag may simply transmit the difference between the
identification number assigned thereto and the reference. For
example, to communicate an identification number of 942,056,051, an
RFID tag need only transmit the binary sequence "10011." Thus, to
accommodate a set of one-hundred animals assigned consecutive
identification numbers, an offset of only seven bits need be
transmitted from any given RFID tag to the base station. Such a
message frame is depicted in FIG. 16B, visually revealing that such
a message frame contains fewer bits, and can therefore be
transmitted to the base station in a relatively shorter amount of
time. As shown in FIG. 16B, the base station may use the offset to
determine the actual identification number assigned to the RFID tag
by adding the offset to the reference:
ID=Reference+Offset.
[0113] To permit execution of the aforementioned scheme, each of
the RFID tags within assigned to a set of animals to be transported
or otherwise processed as a group must be informed of the reference
(so that they can calculate and subsequently transmit the offset
therefrom). Further, the base station must also be made aware of
the reference. Such sharing of the reference may be performed
manually (e.g., an individual may enter the transport vehicle, for
example, and scan each of the RFID tags with a unit programmed to
identify the smallest identification number assigned to the group.
Thereafter, the individual may re-scan each of the tags, to program
them with the determined reference, and the individual may manually
enter the reference into the base station). Alternatively, the
reference may be determined automatically (e.g., the transport
vehicle may be outfitted with a system that queries each of the
RFID tags therein to determine the smallest identification number
assigned to any RFID tag therein. Then, the system transmits that
identification number to each of the RFID tags to use as the
reference. Thereafter, upon arriving at the facility, the
truck-based system wirelessly shares this information with the base
station). Of course, the aforementioned schemes for seeding the
base station and RFID tags with the reference are exemplary only.
For purposes of practicing the invention, it is necessary only that
the base station and RFID tag be seeded, by whatever means.
[0114] FIGS. 17A and 17B depict an exemplary embodiment of an RFID
tag fashioned in a "button style." FIG. 17A depicts the
button-style RFID tag in profile. As can be seen in FIG. 17A, the
button includes a base portion 1700 and an axially located
projecting portion 1702. A channel 1704 penetrates the base portion
1700 and the projecting portion 1702. An elongated barbed "male"
piece (not depicted in FIG. 17A) may extend through the "female"
channel 1704, and fasten the button-style RFID tag to, for example,
an animal's ear.
[0115] FIG. 17B is a bottom view of the button-style RFID tag of
FIG. 17A. As can be seen from FIG. 17B, the base portion 1700
includes outer and inner circular grooves 1706 and 1708,
respectively. As shown in FIG. 17B, these grooves 1706 and 1708 may
be coaxial. A recess 1710 interconnects the grooves 1706 and 1708.
During manufacture, a first coil antenna (not depicted) is wound
around the outer groove 1706 (used, for example, for reception and
transmission on a relatively low carrier frequency, such as 134.2,
kHz), and a second coil antenna (also not depicted) is wound around
the inner groove 1708 (used, for example, for reception and
transmission on a relatively high carrier frequency, such as 13.5
MHz). One or more integrated circuits may be inserted into the
recess 1710 and electrically coupled to the one or more antennas
(and to one another, if one integrated circuit lends power to the
other, for example). Each integrated circuit may be electrically
isolated from the other integrated circuit by encasing the circuit
in a polymeric capsule. Upon insertion of the integrated circuits
and coil antennas into the base portion 1700, the grooves 1706 and
1708 and recess 1710 may be filled with a substance, such as a
polymer, to create a smooth bottom portion 1700, and to seal the
various elements within the base portion 1700.
[0116] As an alternative, there may exist but a single groove in
the button style tag, such as groove 1706. A first antenna may be
wound therein. Thereafter, the antenna may be electrically isolated
by deposition of a material, such as a dielectric material, atop
the antenna, leaving only leads to the antenna exposed for coupling
to an integrated circuit. Thereafter, another antenna may be wound
in the same groove, and coupled to another integrated circuit, or
to the same integrated circuit. Thereafter, the groove and recess
1710 are filled in with a material, such as a polymeric material,
in order to create a smooth bottom surface of the button.
[0117] According to certain embodiments of a radio frequency
identification tag for identification of animals, the tag includes
a first antenna 2005; and a transponder 2010 coupled to the antenna
2005. The transponder 2010 including a first transmission unit
2016, first memory 2014, and first power circuitry 2012. The first
power circuitry is configured to receive a current induced in the
first antenna, and to power the first transmission unit and first
memory. The first transmission unit is configured to retrieve data
stored in the first memory and to transmit at least a portion of
the data via the first antenna on a first carrier frequency and on
a second carrier frequency. In an embodiment, the transponder
includes a second transmission unit 2026, and second memory 2024.
In some embodiments, the transponder further includes a clock
circuit 2022.
[0118] It should be noted that, as used in this specification and
the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing
"a compound" includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should
also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense
including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0119] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification
and the appended claims, the term "configured" describes a system,
apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or configured to
perform a particular task or adopt a particular configuration. The
term "configured" can be used interchangeably with other similar
phrases such as arranged and configured, constructed and arranged,
adapted and configured, adapted, constructed, manufactured and
arranged, and the like.
[0120] All publications and patent applications in this
specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the
art to which this invention pertains.
[0121] The above specification, examples and data provide a
complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition
of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,
the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
* * * * *